Physically challenged persons in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday protested at Nnewi Area Command over an alleged tear gas attack on their Chairman, Hon Okonkwo Onyemaobi, a Councilorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) during the September 28 local government election.
The protesters under the aegis of Voice of the Abilities, who came out in their numbers in solidarity with placards of various inscriptions calling for justice, demanded that the police explain what they called inhuman treatment meted to their leader.
Onyemaobi, who contested to represent Otolo Ward 1 in Nnewi North Local Government Area, said members of the police detailed for the Council poll expended tear gas twice on him at the polling station while in a wheelchair.
He disclosed that the police came and wanted to allow the electoral officers to go to Otolo Ward 1 since the remaining sensitive materials they were waiting for did not come to the polling station to complete the ones they came with.
According to him, they resisted, expecting the police to ask the electoral officers why the election was not held at that place, Otolo Ward 1.
“They earlier told us that the remaining sensitive materials would be supplied. So, we say if they want to go, any of the electoral officers either the presiding officer or any other staff should address us on the update so that we know why the election did not hold at Otolo Ward 1.
“The police began to threaten us, and we refused to go. They shot me tear gas while in my wheelchair. They shot me the first canister and later the second canister. I have my evidence, and the incident was video recorded.
“I was admitted to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi emergency unit and later discharged after medical attention. But I’m still on medication because of the excessive inhalation of the tear gas.
“Politicians used the Nigeria police against me. The police who are supposed to protect us were there when they stole my mandate. I’m surprised that Nigeria police can allow themselves to be used against me. That’s why we are here.
“And we were surprised that on the night the result was announced, they said the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had won whereas there was no election in my Ward, Otolo Ward 1,“ he added.
Onyemaobi placed curses on the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and the members of the police force that brutalized him.
Addressing the protesters, the Nnewi Area Commander, ACP Uche N, told them to file a formal petition to the appropriate quarters to investigate his complaints.
The ACP asked the protesters to be peaceful and not to make others uncomfortable during the protest so that it would not result in doing the right thing in the wrong way.
He promised that the matter would be looked into.
